Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls Day Trip

Yes, the 110 m falls are among the tallest in North Africa and look their best in spring. You can walk down past olive trees, swim in a natural pond and see wild Barbary apes. In late summer the water slows to a trickle, so plan your trip from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls earlier.

Yes, our day trip leaves your riad at 9 am and reaches the falls in about 3 hours. Visiting the Ouzoud waterfalls from Marrakech gives you time for a hike, a swim and a tagine lunch. The road crosses wide olive groves and Berber villages at the foot of the snowy High Atlas in winter.

Ouzoud is about 150 km northeast of Marrakech, which takes around 3 hours each way by private car. That is why the drive from Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls fills a full day with stops and lunch. Leave early to reach the falls before the midday crowds and enjoy the cooler morning air on the trails.

Walking paths start near the top of the falls and lead down through olive trees to the pools. You can take the stairs alone, or a local guide can lead you on a longer walk below. Wear good shoes, since our Marrakech to Ouzoud Falls trip includes some steep and sometimes slippery steps near the water.

Spring, from March to May, is the best time to visit, when melting snow from the Atlas fills the river and the falls are at full power. Autumn is also pleasant and quieter. Summer brings big local crowds and lower water, so on our private day trip we leave Marrakech early to reach the pools before the midday heat.

Yes, you can swim in several natural pools below the falls, and many visitors cool off there in summer. The water is fresh and some spots are deep, so only swim where locals do and keep an eye on children. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and water shoes, as the rocks around the pools can be slippery and uneven.

The Barbary macaques that live in the forest around the falls are wild but used to visitors. They are fun to watch and photograph, yet you should keep a little distance and never feed them, since food makes them pushy. Hold on to bags, hats and sunglasses, and follow the advice of your local guide on the trails.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the steps and trails, and bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for the morning drive. Pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim, plus some cash for lunch, the boat ride and tips. Our private Ouzoud Falls day trip from Marrakech covers the car, driver and hotel pickup.